OLYMPIA – For a third year in a row, Gov. Jay Inslee has named June as General Aviation Appreciation Month in Washington state.

In his signed proclamation (pdf 316 kb), Gov. Inslee specifically highlighted general aviation’s vital importance to the state’s economy, transportation system and the lives of Washingtonians.

“General aviation is crucial to our state,” said Tristan Atkins, Washington State Department of Transportation director of aviation. “June is typically a great month to fly, and I anticipate Gov. Inslee’s proclamation will once again encourage people to visit many of our state’s airports.”

Washington is home to a diverse aviation system, with 134 public-use airports ranging in size and purpose. The proclamation highlights how general aviation, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing and other aviation activities contribute to Washington’s economic health and vitality.

“Each year, our state’s airports support 248,500 jobs, $15.3 billion in wages and $50.9 billion in economic activity,” said Kandace Harvey, president of the Washington State Aviation Alliance. “This proclamation reminds us that we must strengthen our efforts to promote and protect these great assets.”